updated 06:32 am EDT, Thu April 3, 2014

New Kinect for Windows sensor accompanied by new SDK

Microsoft has updated the version of the Kinect for Windows, bringing it in line with the Kinect used in the Xbox One, the company has revealed. The new sensor bar will ship sometime this summer alongside an updated software development kit, with Microsoft also preparing to make it easier for developers to provide members of the public with Kinect-enabled Windows apps.

The Kinect for Windows v2 is now capable of recording 1080p HD video, a wider field of view that helps reduce the distance from user to sensor, and active infrared detection for improved facial and gesture tracking in low-light situations. The SDK will allow developers to create apps capable of tracking up to six people simultaneously, up from two in the original, with 25 joints tracked per person instead of 20.

The company is also making the Kinect useful for multitaskers, allowing multiple Kinect-enabled apps to run simultaneously, something reportedly requested by developers Microsoft is also opening up the Windows Store to Kinect apps in the future, and also claims to be committed to supporting the Unity game engine by next summer.